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Bill

S 695

Unauthorized Fees for Claim Assistance

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jeffrey Graham and 4 co-sponsors

South Carolina bill prohibits third parties from charging fees for claim assistance services, ensuring claimants retain full reimbursement benefits.

Effective date 05/19/26
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 695

Legislative bill overview

S 695 prohibits third parties from charging fees to assist individuals with filing insurance claims or other reimbursement requests in South Carolina. The bill passed committee with amendments and received unanimous approval on second reading, indicating broad bipartisan support for restricting these claim assistance fees.

Why is this important

Claim assistance fees can substantially reduce reimbursements that vulnerable individuals receive from insurance settlements or government benefits. By eliminating these charges, the bill aims to ensure claimants retain more of their entitled benefits, particularly affecting low-income residents, veterans, and families already in financial stress.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition and scope: The amended language may have clarified (or potentially narrowed) what constitutes prohibited "assistance," affecting whether legitimate service providers like attorneys or adjusters face restrictions
  • Legitimate services distinction: Determining which professionals can charge for expertise versus pure claim filing facilitation could create enforcement ambiguity
  • Access to claim help: If legitimate claim assistance becomes unprofitable, individuals without resources or knowledge may struggle to navigate complex claims processes without professional help

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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